“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees." (Amelia Earhart)
In a collision of young Y campers and senior members all making waves in one of the pools at the Y in Pasadena last week, a longtime member and water fitness class participant watched the scene from her spot in the pool, got out, and marched straight to the front desk. She wasn't there to complain about the noisy kids who no doubt made her instructor's lesson harder to hear. Rather, she was there to make a donation to the Y Send a Kid to Camp campaign to help make sure that every kid who needs the kind of healthy, happy Y camp experience she'd just observed in the pool gets one. She did it without fanfare and with no expectation of reward. Something tells me that the quote above might resonate with her.
The Y Send a Kid to Camp campaign is core to our charitable mission. Its purpose is simple; enable children whose families struggle financially to enjoy happy, healthy, and safe camp experiences where they will make new friends, learn new skills, and gain new confidence that can carry them for life. Just like the tree roots of Amelia Earhart's quote, helping more children have a happy, memorable camp experience pays dividends that last a lifetime. Now entering week eight of an 11-week season, it's not too late to help send a child to camp. To learn more or to make a donation please visit Campaign for a Better Us.
Thank you to the kind member at the Y in Pasadena and to all those many generous souls like her who've helped us include more children in a summer of fun and growth. Thanks also to Matt Lewis and Dana Ashley, who lead our Y camp program and to all the many other Y associates who make memorable summers for so many children.
All the best,
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland